Surgery and radiotherapy for typical carcinoid of the nasopharynx: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Carcinoid tumours are rare, particularly in the head and neck region. When occurring in this area, they mainly affect the larynx. The first case of primary well-differentiated carcinoid tumour arising from the nasopharynx was documented in 2009 and treated by combined external beam radiation and cold somatostatin analogue with a fatal outcome. To our knowledge, no case of this type of lesion has been successfully treated with surgery and radiotherapy until now. OBJECTIVE: To make physicians aware that typical carcinoid nasopharyngeal tumour can be treated by surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy. METHOD: We report the management of a typical carcinoid nasopharyngeal tumour in a 68-year-old female successfully treated with endoscopic surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy. We also review the relevant literature. CONCLUSION: Patients with close margins at the time of the surgery may need adjuvant radiotherapy to prevent recurrence. After a negative octreotide scintigraphy, periodical follow-up only is sufficient.